Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Pic Source:  https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/b/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a common condition that affects men as they age. It occurs when the prostate gland, which is located beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, becomes enlarged. This enlargement can cause a range of symptoms, including difficulty urinating and urinary tract infections. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for BPH.

Causes

The exact cause of BPH is unknown, but it is believed to be related to changes in hormone levels as men age. The prostate gland is sensitive to the male hormone testosterone, which is produced by the testes. As men age, testosterone levels decline, and the prostate gland may begin to grow larger. In addition to aging, other risk factors for BPH include family history, obesity, and certain medications.

Symptoms

The symptoms of BPH can vary from person to person, but they typically involve changes in urinary function. Some common symptoms of BPH include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting and stopping urination
• Weak urine stream
• Dribbling after urination
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Urgency to urinate

In some cases, BPH can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or damage to the kidneys. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider.

Diagnosis

To diagnose BPH, your healthcare provider will likely perform a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. They may also order additional tests, such as a urine test or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, may also be used to evaluate the size and shape of the prostate gland.

Treatment

There are several treatment options for BPH, depending on the severity of your symptoms and other factors. Some common treatment options include:

• Watchful waiting: If your symptoms are mild or do not interfere with your daily life, your healthcare provider may recommend monitoring your condition without treatment.
• Medications: There are several medications available to treat BPH, including alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, and combination medications. These medications can help reduce the size of the prostate gland and improve urinary function.
• Minimally invasive procedures: In some cases, minimally invasive procedures such as transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) or transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) may be recommended to treat BPH.
• Surgery: If your symptoms are severe or do not respond to other treatments, surgery may be necessary. The most common surgical procedure for BPH is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

Conclusion

Benign prostatic hypertrophy is a common condition that affects many men as they age. Although the exact cause of BPH is unknown, there are several treatment options available to manage symptoms and improve urinary function. If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.

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